Live the Life

Retirees often say they're "living the life," - Mister Bill and I can relate to that! For us, the trade-off of morning alarms and work traffic for leisure days, family and travel has indeed been a new and good way to ... live life. To the Believers at Colossae, Paul encouraged living the New Life that was theirs in Christ Jesus: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2, ESV). What a sad sight to see many Believers reflecting gloom and doom in their faces! Aren't we aware our old life died when we met Jesus! Paul continues by reminding us we are now "hidden with Christ in God" (V.3). When we know this in our hearts, it will show up on our faces! Everything changed when we received this New Life at salvation - God says we are to "set your minds," - seriously discipline yourselves to be continuously focused in the study, meditation, memorization and application of His Word. For the born-again child of God, it's the only way to ... live the life!

BLOG BREAK

 Morning with Beverly
resumes Thursday 05-14-2026
Stay in The Word!
Miles of Smiles, Beverly  

Your Delight

Have you ever noticed what determination "looks" like? It's often seen in a toddler who declares, "I can do it all by myself." Hard as it is to watch the struggle, often the self-declared determination is indeed enough. Hear the determination in the psalmist's words from Psalm 119: "I shall not be ashamed" (V6) ... "I shall give thanks" (V7) ... "I shall keep your statues" (V8) ... "I will meditate" (V15) ... "I shall delight" (V16) ..."I will keep Your law" (V44) - and the determinations go on and on! I We all make declarations every day in some form or another: I will mop the floor, wash the sheets, go to the bank, etc. How sad earthly pursuits take priority over the eternal! The psalmist explains the priority of his declarations: "The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (V72) ... "How sweet are Your words to my taste - yes, sweeter than honey to my  mouth" (V103) ... "I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart" (V111). Somehow through the days of his life, the psalmist had - by an act of his own will - prioritized seeking The Lord first, and his determination had become his greatest joy. God and His words were not only a determination, they were a delight. Do you cherish time with God in His Word? If so, He will become your determination - He will become ... your delight.

Song of My Soul

Benefits are usually a big factor in decision-making! When searching for a hotel, for example, room amenities matter - yes, the froo-froo stuff matters. The psalmist David says, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits." (Psalm 130:1-2 NASB). The Hebrew word "benefits" refers to the "dealing of one's hand." When that hotel doesn't measure-up nor delivers on its promised benefits, we may give a bad review or request a refund. With The LORD, however, always delivers and more than we deserve or expect. Furthermore, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Verses 10-12 NASB). It's amazing that God is even mindful of me but He is; when my sin had disqualified me God looked upon me in mercy. He offered the precious blood of His Son, Jesus, Who brought me back into right-standing before The Father. Now I stand in the righteousness of Christ and enjoy all God's love and benefits. "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee - How great Thou art - How great Thou art!" My Savior, My God ... song of my soul.

Daily Mercies

Perhaps you've heard of women having a "make-over" - yes, I agreed to such a thing ... once. I much prefer a "do-over" - another opportunity, a second-chance [so to speak]. Thankfully, the graciousness of God gives us those! The Lord said to Jonah, "Arise, go to Nineveh ... cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me." (Jonah 1:2 NASB). The next two words are alarming: "But Jonah" - he did not obey; he fled from The Lord, and you may remember things did not go well for him. Then we read in Jonah 3, "The LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh' ... So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh." (V.1-2). Oh my, I see myself in Jonah - stubborn and foolish, knowing the right thing to do yet doing the opposite. Hence, finding myself in my own "belly of a fish," I've cried out as Jonah, "I called out of my distress to the LORD, and He answered me ... You heard my voice" (Jonah 2:2 NASB). I'm reminded of a poem: "I wish that there were some wonderful place - Called the Land of Beginning Again - Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches - And all of our selfish grief - Could be dropped like a shabby, old coat at the door - And never be put on again." Oh, but there IS a place of beginning again! It is at the feet of The Savior where we humbly bow in confession and repentance, accept His kind forgiveness then rise to complete rest and joy as we obey Him. One "make-over" was enough for this old gal but I am eternally grateful my God allows do-overs; He welcomes me back when I stumble and fall. He assures me in Lamentations 3:22 that His steadfast love is unceasing, His mercies never end - they are new every morning, and great is His faithfulness. What a wonderful Father He is - The One of ... daily mercies.